NEW YORK, July 29, 2014 – Essence Carson of the New York Liberty was awarded June’s WNBA Cares Community Assist Award presented by State Farm for her numerous charitable contributions and dedication to community service.

Carson attended a rehearsal for the Garden of Dreams Foundation’s annual Talent Show, where she met with contestants and watched their acts. The show featured more than 80 children from partner organizations affiliated with the Garden of Dreams Foundation. The Garden of Dreams is a non-profit organization working to brighten the lives of children and families afflicted with everything from extreme poverty to illness.

Carson and her Liberty teammates have dedicated their time to children across New York City, including participating in a chef tasting event to raise money to help promote drug-free living and prevent alcohol abuse. Carson also volunteered at a wheelchair basketball clinic for 40 middle school students and took part in a Bronx Zoo visit with 30 children from the Harlem Dowling-West Side Center for Children and Family Services.

“I believe community outreach is very important,” said Carson. “It’s not what the world can do for you but what you can do for the world.”

In recognition of her efforts, the WNBA and State Farm will donate $7,500 to the Garden of Dreams Foundation.

The WNBA Community Assist Award presented by State Farm is awarded monthly during the season to the player that best reflects the WNBA’s passion to make a difference in the community. Please visit wnba.com/statefarmcommunityassist for more information on the award and its recipients.